Rockies Recap: Rockies 7, Royals 2

[media-credit id=149 align=”alignnone” width=”495″][/media-credit] Juan Nicasio delivers a pitch against the Royals on Tuesday in Surprise, Ariz. The right-hander allowed one run in five innings, throwing 46 strikes in 80 pitches.

At Surprise Stadium

SURPRISE, ARIZ. — Glimmers. Snapshots.
That’s what the Rockies’ fans are looking for from the rotation this spring. Reasons to have hope. Juan Nicasio provided a glimpse in the fifth inning Tuesday, executing a pitch he rarely threw last season, and when did, it wasn’t very good.

With runners on second and third, a rally bubbling, the right-hander unleashed a full-count changeup to strike out all-star Alex Gordon. Why is that pitch so big?

“Because I play at Coors Field. I need something besides my fastball to get them,” Nicasio said. “It’s about 83 to 84 (miles per hour) so it can be really good for me.”

Following the game, manager Walt Weiss confirmed what has been known: Nicasio is in the rotation. He hasn’t decided when he will pitch. Weiss also said that the Rockies will not skip a starter because of the April 4 off day, meaning they will open with a five-man rotation.

Nicasio could be a big part if he pitches like he did Tuesday, using the off-speed pitch in big counts.

That’s because Nicasio owns an overpowering fastball. He struck out the Royals’ Eric Hosmer twice on high fastballs in the mid 90s. The right-hander’s best outing left him pining for the regular season when he’s likely to pitch the third game in Milwaukee, following Jhoulys Chacin and Jorge De La Rosa.

“I am ready to go,” Nicasio said.

Against a near-opening day lineup for the Royals, Nicasio’s line provided a compelling argument. He worked five innings, allowing three hits and one run on Mike Moustakas’ 400-foot shot to right field. He threw 80 pitches, 46 for strikes.

“That was some good stuff,” outfielder Michael Cuddyer said.

HITS: Yorvit Torrealba has always owned modest statistics, but as a Rockie possessed the ability to hit in the clutch. He has hit well this spring in limited action as the Rockies seem more intent on showcasing Ramon Hernandez to potential suitors. Torrealba delivered a game-tying single in the fifth inning. … Michael Cuddyer enjoyed a strong day defensively, posting two assists. He threw out Billy Butler trying to advance from first to third in the fourth inning, firing a one-hop shot to DJ LeMahieu. Butler is one of the slower players in the American League, but it was still a perfect throw. “I didn’t think he was going to go,” Cuddyer said. … Matt Belisle worked out of trouble in the bottom of the sixth, inducing a 6-4-3 double play groundball. … Outfielder Corey Dickerson keeps hanging around in big-league camp because he keeps hitting. He delivered two doubles.

MISSES: Josh Rutledge sank into a mini-slump after a blistering start. He entered Tuesday’s game hitting .212 and had a forgettable at-bat in the fifth inning. With runners at first and second and no outs, he popped up to second base. Torrealba picked up his teammate with his RBI single. … DJ LeMahieu. locked in a battle with Jonathan Herrera for a final bench spot, committed an error at third base, trying to step back on a groundball with top spin. LeMahieu, however, singled in a run in the fifth. … Troy Tulowitzki grounded into a double play and struck out with runners in scoring position.

UP NEXT: It is an off day for almost all players. Jeff Francis is scheduled to pitch in a minor league game and Jorge De La Rosa, Christian Friedrich and Miguel Batista will throw side sessions.

Patrick, a third-generation Colorado native, is back for his second stint covering the Rockies. He first covered the team from 2005-2009, helping chronicle “Rocktober” in 2007 and also following the team’s playoff run in 2009.

Nick Groke has worked at The Denver Post since 1997, as a sports reporter, city reporter, entertainment writer and digital editor and producer, among other newsroom posts. He also writes regularly about boxing, soccer, MMA and NASCAR.